Twenty-five sedentary female volunteers, 18-30 years of age, were studied to determine the effects of an endurance running program on leg strength gains from a weight training program. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a weight training group (W), a weight training plus running group (RW), or a control group (C). The subjects trained three days per week, approximately one hour per day, for nine weeks. The RW group ran for 25 min then weight trained for 30 min, whereas the W group weight trained for one hour. Subjects were tested for one-repetition maximum (l-RM) pre-training, at two week intervals during training, and post-training. Thigh girth (midpoint [MG] and 1.18 cm above the patella [AP]) and percent body fat were measured pre- and post-training, only weekly on a calibrated scale. Body weight was measured. Significant improvements in isotonic leg strength of 56% for W and 66% for RW were observed, with no difference between the groups. W and RW also achieved a significantly greater isotonic leg strength than the C group. The experimental groups had a significantly greater posttest AP as compared to the C group. No significant differences were observed over the experimental period in MG, percent body fat and body weight of any of the groups. In conclusion, the running program used in the present study did not interfere with leg strength or girth gains achieved through weight training. These results are in contrast to those reported in other studies which found that aerobic training impaired strength gains. / Master of Science

An optimal and feedback control routines were developed in this thesis to control simulations of a respiratory system with a muscle and lung compartments. The optimal model was used to find the alveolar ventilation and the Van der Pol constants (𝛼, 𝜔, and 𝛆) that could be used in the body during the steady-state of exercise for each workload. Then, the feedback control model was used to simulate the transient exercise states. The alveolar ventilation was calculated in the feedback control model using a proportional (mean) and a derivative (rate) control. Then, the Van der Pol constants were found from the alveolar ventilation found in the optimal routine. In addition, simulations were done in the steady-state for 3 %, 5 %, and 6 % carbon dioxide inhalation. Once the controller constants had been found, the transient-state of the feedback model showed great promise as the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide did not become more than 3.8 % greater then the value that is maintained in the body. The carbon dioxide inhalation tests came within 3 % of the experimental values given by Reynolds (1972). The results from this thesis show that using a Van der Pol oscillator as the breather in the model seems to keep the partial pressure of arterial CO₂ around the value that is maintained in the body for aerobic exercise and CO₂ inhalation. / Master of Science

Hormonal and metabolic responses to submaximal exercise were studied in 11 sedentary, overweight women who participated in an 8 week aerobic exercise program (80% VO2 max) while consuming a hypocaloric diet. A maximal and submaximal treadmill exercise test were performed before and after the program. During the submaximal exercise test, a graded portion (mean time 6.4 min) preceded the submaximal phase during which subjects worked at 80% VO2 max until exhaustion (mean time l2 min). Blood was sampled before and after the work via venipuncture. Whole blood was immediately analyzed for lactate accumulation. The remaining blood was centrifuged, separated, and frozen for subsequent serum glucose, cortisol, and insulin measurement. There was a significant increase in oxygen uptake (ml/kg/min), and a decrease in body weight, ( 6.7%), and body fat (14%). Resting heart rate was significantly lower post-training (5.4%), as were exercise RQ (VCO2/VO2) ratios. Pretraining serum glucose and blood lactate significantly increased while nonsignificant decreases were noted in insulin and cortisol as a result of the submaximal exercise bout. The significant increases in glucose and lactate during exercise were blunted after the training program. However, only the post-training response of lactate was significantly different from the pretraining response. The insulin and cortisol response was not significantly different from that during the pretraining exercise test. A correlation was observed between RPE and lactate at the end of exercise both pretraining and post-training. In summary, the combined exercise and weight loss program resulted in exercise being less stressful, both metabolically and subjectively. This improvement enables greater exercise intensity to be performed prior to the significant accumulation of lactate and perception of fatigue which may inspire the sedentary, overweight female to establish and/or continue a regular exercise program. / Master of Science

Aerobic exercise is frequently recommended as a stress management strategy. This study examined the influence of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise in reducing cardiovascular reactivity to a subsequent stressor compared to a nonexercise attention control condition in 16 males (<u>m</u> age = 21 yrs; moderate activity level; positive family history for hypertension) using a within subject design. The order of experimental conditions was counterbalanced across subjects. During the exercise condition, subjects pedaled for 30 minutes on a bicycle ergometer at 59% ± 7.2 of their maximum (<u>m</u> V0₂= 48.5 ml/kg/min ± 10.7). subjects completed a physical activity questionnaire and anthropometric measurements during the 30 minute attention control condition. Forty-five minutes after the exercise or attention control sessions, BP, HR, stroke volume (SV) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were measured at baseline, during a pre-stressor anticipation period, and during the cold pressor test. stroke volume was measured with impedance cardiography and total peripheral resistance (TPR) was estimated. SBP was significantly lower during the second minute of the anticipation period (F [1,29] = 4.75, p = .04) forty-five minutes after exercising compared to the attention control condition. There were no significant differences between conditions for DBP, TPR or SV. These findings suggest that acute aerobic exercise may moderate SBP response to a subsequent non-exercise stressor. / Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretically-based writing curriculum for fifth-grade students that incorporated research related to writing instruction. Cognitive developmental and psycholinguistic theories were used as the theoretical foundation for the curriculum. The study utilized a unique curriculum development format which included the presentation of the theories and research; the derivation of learning and instructional principles, and the development of an instructional model. The curriculum was then developed using the instructional model, and finally, the curriculum was analyzed according to the theoretical foundation. Six learning principles were derived from the theoretical review. These principles addressed how children learn and how children learn language. Seven instructional principles were derived from the writing instruction research. The instructional principle and the learning principles were used to formulate an instructional model for the curriculum. The rationale for the model, the rationale for the content of the curriculum, the procedures for selecting materials, and, the procedures for developing an evaluation component for the curriculum were also explained. The fifth-grade curriculum included the following five units: (1) Plot; (2) Setting; (3) Point of View; (4) Character; and (5) Style. Each of the units contained an overview, objectives, the instructional model, evaluation suggestions, and a list of materials. The curriculum was designed to be complete and ready for classroom use. The curriculum was analyzed to see if it reflected the theoretical base. The learning principles, the instructional principles, and the composing process were reviewed and analysis criteria established. The units of the curriculum were analyzed according to this criteria. And the results of the analysis indicated that the curriculum did reflect the theoretical foundation. Conclusions and curriculum development and research possibilities were discussed. The need to field test the curriculum, to use a review panel in the analysis, to develop writing curricula for other grades and areas, and to compare this curriculum to other approaches to writing were identified. / Ed. D.

Twelve obese normotensive females were studied to determine the effects of either a 71% carbohydrate (HC) hypocaloric diet or a 33% carbohydrate (LC) hypocaloric diet concommitant with an aerobic exercise program on sodium (Na) balance and blood pressure changes. Subjects participated three times a week in a submaximal periodic exercise session and were placed on one of the diets for 28 days. Posttreatment, each participant consumed a 1000 kcal mixed diet while remaining in the exercise program. Daily Na losses were measured by 24 hr urine collection, and blood pressure measurements were made weekly. Both treatment groups significantly decreased in weight with LC losing more than HC (8.0 kg by LC group; 6.7 kg by HC group). Although urine Na balance was negative for the first 2 days of both VLCD's, Na excretion fell over time to result in net Na retention over the experimental period. Though the LC group lost more Na during the first week than EC during subsequent weeks, the differences between groups were nonsignificant. There were no significant differences between groups in serum Na or urine Na balance. However, Na urinary loss significantly decreased across time. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased non-significantly an average of 4% from baseline values throughout the treatment (5.2/4.0 mmHg in the HC group and 4.3/2.3 mmHg in the LC group). Carbohydrate inclusion in both diets was found to be effective in retaining Na after 4 days on a VLCD. Changes on different postural positions did not reveal evidence of hypotension. Overweight normotensive individuals did not reduce blood pressure values below normal levels. / M.S.

No description available.

The effects of an aerobic walking program, from 22 to 30 wk gestation, on aerobic fitness, riboflavin and thiamin status, and birth outcome were studied in 28 healthy, pregnant women, 24-36 yr of age, receiving vitamin-mineral supplements. Aerobic capacity was evaluated by measurements of heart rate (HR) and relative oxygen consumption (VO₂, ml/kg/min) during two submaximal treadmill walking tests (22 and 30 wk). HR responses were significantly lower for walking subjects (W; n=l8) compared to nonwalking (NW; n=l0) at two (~2.9 METS) and four (~3.8 METS) min, and near significant at six (~4.6 METS) min of the 30 wk tests. HR at two min of exercise for NW subjects increased significantly from 22 to 30 wk. Oxygen consumption for W decreased significantly from 22 to 30 wk at two, four, and six min of exercise. Comparison of VO₂ changes (22 to 30 wk) between W and NW indicated a significant difference at six min and near significance at four min. Riboflavin and thiamin status, as determined by erythrocyte glutathione and transketolase activity coefficients, was adequate for 86% of the subjects with respect to riboflavin and 96% for thiamin. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.58) between aerobic activity scores and ETKAC values (W group). Participation in a walking program slightly improved aerobic capacity without affecting birth outcome or riboflavin and thiamin status in pregnant women taking vitamin-mineral supplements. / Ph. D. / incomplete_metadata

The purpose of this study was to review and present the traditional versus the progressive practices in the teaching of composition as presented in the articles written on the teaching of composition in The Elementary English Review, volumes VIII - XVIII, years, 1931-1941, inclusive.

The aim of this study was to examine the approaches to the teaching of English composition writing in Botswana junior secondary classrooms and to produce models that might enhance the effective teaching of composition writing at the junior secondary school level. The aims of the study triggered the objectives of identifying the challenges posed by the use of such approaches to teachers; determining if the approaches used by teachers inhibit students' performance in composition writing; and proposing possible solutions or models to the challenges in the teaching and learning of English composition writing in the classroom context. Relevant theoretical and practical literature germane to the study was reviewed and descriptions of the conceptual framework/ the research design, and methodology provided. The study utilized the qualitative technique through interviews, observations, reviews, examination of documents and students' artifacts. Based on the aforementioned methodologies, the major findings were that: * Teachers utilized mainly the product oriented approach to the teaching of English composition writing. * Teachers were confronted with challenges emanating from the use of the product oriented approach to writing such as surface level errors, wrong grammar/tense, lack of vocabulary and organization skills, and inability of students to compose and communicate effectively in writing. * The teachers' use of the product oriented approach is believed to have among other things, contributed greatly to the students' poor development of writing skills such as wrong spelling and punctuation, lack of organization, lack of ideas and vocabulary, and inability to compose and communicate effectively in writing. * A model to improve the teaching of English composition writing was developed based on the major findings above. Finally, on the basis of the findings and the conclusions made, pertinent recommendations were made to enhance the effective teaching of English composition writing at the junior secondary schools in Botswana. / Educational Studies / D.Ed. (Didactics)